Betting breakdown

Verdict

A fourth success in six runnings of this race for Nicky Henderson and SPRINTER SACRE has the potential to achieve far more than any of his three predecessors. Last year's Supreme third has clearly benefited from a summer breathing operation and posted a hugely impressive round of jumping that elevated him to the top of the Arkle market and left connections of the runner-up contemplating a step up in trip. The winner still appears to race a shade keenly but it doesn't appear to have a detrimental effect on his finishing effort while he was clever and athletic at his fences when he needed to be. His trainer - who knows a thing or two about two mile chasers - has made no secret of the regard in which the winner's held and he has every reason to be excited. Last season's Champion Hurdle second had impressed in two victories at Bangor over an extended two miles and a furlong, posting two near faultless rounds of jumping but Peddlers Cross hit the first fairly hard, handing an immediate advantage to his rival. His jumping, thereafter, was sound but he always looked to be working hard to keep in touch with the winner who, in contrast, appeared to be doing everything very easily. Jason Maguire sensibly eased him down once any chance of winning was gone and offered no excuses on the day. A step up in trip will now be contemplated with the Jewson presumably coming into the equation but those holding ante-post vouchers for the Arkle shouldn't give up hope yet as it often takes a horse with plenty of stamina to win that race as evidenced by last year's winner and this year's King George third Captain Chris. As for the winner, he didn't get up the Cheltenham hill as strongly as his rivals at last year's Festival which will remain a slight query until he's done it. As well as having his breathing operation, he's also an older and stronger horse and comparisons can be drawn in that respect with stablemate Grandouet.